Magnetically actuated shut-off valve

ABSTRACT

A latching solenoid gate valve is disclosed, and includes a housing defining a conduit having a flow path therethrough and a cavity separating the conduit into a first section and a second section. The latching solenoid assembly also includes a gate assembly enclosed within the cavity of the housing and a first solenoid assembly and a second solenoid assembly seated within the cavity with the gate assembly linearly translatable therebetween. The gate assembly includes a first gate member comprising magnetizable material and defining an opening therethrough. The first gate member is linearly movable within the cavity between an open position with the opening aligned with the conduit and a closed position with the opening out of alignment with the conduit. The first gate member is moved linearly from either the open position or the closed position.

PRIOR APPLICATION

This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/818,851 filed Aug. 5, 2015.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to shut-off valves having on and off positions,and more particularly to magnetically actuated solenoid valves for usein an internal combustion engine.

BACKGROUND

In current actuators, the on/off operation in a pneumatic device isachieved with an electric solenoid valve. Vacuum force is applied to theactuator only when the solenoid is “on” and only when the vacuum forceis high enough to move the actuator the full length of its travel.Alternately, without a solenoid controlling the actuator's exposure tovacuum, an actuator exposed to vacuum force under all conditions will“float” between the on position and the off position. Floating isundesirable, inefficient, and provides poor control of the deviceattached to the actuator.

Often, solenoid actuated valves are spring biased to a default conditionand require the application of current to a coil to move the valve tothe energized position. However, as long as the valve is in theon-state, then it is to be appreciated that power is consumed. Thus,there is a need in the art for energy efficient actuators that areeffective at controlling an electric solenoid's on-state, while reducingthe amount of power consumed.

SUMMARY

Herein actuators are described for the control of valves having on-offfunctionality that consume less power. The actuators disclosed hereinare held in either the open state or the closed state without requiringthe continuous consumption of power because the actuators utilize theapplication of electric current through a solenoid to move a valve to adesired position and once moved thereto the residual magnetism willmaintain the valve in the desired position. Additionally, the state ofthe valve (in the open position or in the closed position) is determinedelectronically by a control circuit based on changes in the inductanceof the actuation coils (a first coil at one end and a second coil at theopposing end of the gate assembly) due to the location of the gate.

In one aspect, a latching solenoid gate valve is disclosed, and includesa housing defining a conduit having a flow path therethrough and acavity separating the conduit into a first section and a second section.The latching solenoid assembly also includes a gate assembly enclosedwithin the cavity of the housing and a first solenoid assembly and asecond solenoid assembly seated within the cavity with the gate assemblylinearly translatable therebetween. The gate assembly includes a firstgate member comprising magnetizable material and defining an openingtherethrough. The first gate member is linearly movable within thecavity between an open position with the opening aligned with theconduit and a closed position with the opening out of alignment with theconduit. The first gate member is moved linearly from either the openposition or the closed position by activating one of the first andsecond solenoid assemblies to magnetically attract the first gate memberthereto while simultaneously activating the other of the first andsecond solenoid assemblies to magnetically repulse the first gatemember.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a latchingsolenoid gate valve.

FIG. 2 is a front, exploded perspective view of the latching solenoidgate valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the latching solenoidgate valve of FIG. 2 in an assembled state.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the sprung gate of the latchingsolenoid gate valve of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the sprung gate of the latching solenoidgate valve of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the sprung gate and the latching solenoidsof FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of a sprunggate for a latching solenoid gate valve.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional, exploded perspective view of the latchingsolenoid gate valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic diagram of a circuit that drives thesolenoid assemblies and also senses the position of the gate assembly inthe latching solenoid gate valve of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description will illustrate the generalprinciples of the invention, examples of which are additionallyillustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, likereference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

As used herein, “fluid” means any liquid, suspension, colloid, gas,plasma, or combinations thereof.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an embodiment of a latching solenoid gate valve100, in one embodiment, for use in an internal combustion engine. Thelatching solenoid gate valve 100 includes a housing 102 and a conduit104 for transporting or allowing the flow of fluid therethrough. Thehousing 102 defines a cavity 138 (FIG. 2) therein that separates theconduit 104 into a first conduit portion 106 and a second section 108.The housing 102 may include a first section A and a second section Bthat are mateable together to define the cavity 138. In one embodiment,the first section A and the second section B of the housing 102 may beplastic injection molded components fixedly mated together using aplastic welding process.

The first conduit portion 106 may be sealingly engaged with a hose or atube (not illustrated), where a generally fluid-tight seal may becreated between the sealing features 118 of the first conduit portion106 and the tube. One or both of the first and second conduit portions106, 108 may include a first section 110, 110′ that may include sealingfeatures 118, 118′ on the exterior surface thereof. One or both of thefirst and second conduit portions 106, 108 may also include a secondsection 120, 120′, respectively, between the first sections 110, 110′and the outer surface 112, 112′ of the housing 102. In one embodiment,the first section 110 of the first conduit portion 106 may include agenerally circular cross-section and the second section 120 of the firstconduit portion 106 may include a generally rectangular cross-section.The second conduit portion 108 may include a similar configuration.Although a circular cross-section and a rectangular cross-section arediscussed, the conduits 106, 108 are not limited to the illustration asshown in the figures, and it is understood that many othercross-sectional shapes are possible.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an opening 114 of the housing A is in fluidcommunication with the first conduit portion 106. The opening 114 of thehousing A is located along an inner surface 116 of the first section Aof the housing 102. An opening 124 of the housing B is in fluidcommunication with the second conduit portion 108, and is located alongan inner surface 126 of the second section B of the housing 102. Theopening 114 of the housing A and the opening 124 of the housing B arealigned with one another such that both the openings 114, 124 arelocated along an axis A-A defined by the conduit 104. A first solenoidassembly 142 a and a second solenoid assembly 142 b are seated withinthe cavity 138 defined by the first section A and the second section Bof the housing 102. A gate assembly 146 is linearly translatable betweenthe first solenoid assembly 142 a and the second solenoid assembly 142b.

The gate assembly 146 may translate in a linear direction between anopen position and a closed position. In the open position, which is seenin FIG. 3, a fluid flow opening 191 of the gate assembly 146 may bealigned with the conduit 104, and in particular the gate assembly 146 isaligned with the openings 114 and 124. Thus, in the open position fluidmay flow from the first conduit portion 106 through the gate assembly146, and into the second conduit portion 108. When in the closedposition, the fluid flow opening 191 is out of alignment with theconduit 104, thereby blocking the flow of fluid though the gate assembly146 and to the second conduit portion 108. As seen in FIG. 3, the gateassembly 146 may be translated up and down in a linear direction througha length of travel L between the open position and the closed position.The length of travel L may be measured between a lower surface 176 ofthe gate assembly 146 and the second solenoid assembly 142 b when thegate assembly 146 is in a first position (i.e., the gate assembly 146 isopened). Alternatively, the length of travel L may be measured betweenan upper surface 174 of the gate assembly 146 and the first solenoidassembly 142 a, when the gate assembly 146 is in a second position(i.e., the gate assembly 146 is closed).

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the gate assembly 146, FIG. 5 is anexploded view of the gate assembly 146, FIG. 6 is an exploded view ofthe gate assembly 146 as well as both the solenoid assemblies 142 a, 142b, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the gate assembly 146 as well astwo permanent magnets 202, 204. Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the gateassembly 146 includes a first gate member 180 defining an opening 194therethrough, and a second gate member 182 defining at least a firstopening 195 therethrough aligned with the opening 194 in the first gatemember 180. The openings 194 and 195 cooperate together to define thefluid flow opening 191. The gate assembly 146 may also include anendless elastic band 184 sandwiched or located between the first andsecond gate members 180, 182.

The first and second gate members 180, 182 may each be constructed of amagnetizable material such as, for example, steel, and may be stampedparts that are heat treated and coated in order to substantially preventwear and corrosion. In one embodiment, the first and second gate members180, 182 are constructed of the magnetizable material, and have beenpermanently magnetized during manufacture. In another embodiment, thefirst and second gate members 180, 182 have a magnetizable materialconnected to the first and second gate members 180, 182. For example, asseen in FIG. 7, the gate assembly 146 includes a first permanent magnet202 disposed along the upper surface 174 of the gate assembly 146 and asecond permanent magnet 204 disposed along the lower surface 176 of thegate assembly 146.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the gate assembly 146 is positioned betweenthe first (upper, in the drawing as oriented relative to the page)solenoid assembly 142 a and the second (lower, in the drawing asoriented relative to the page) solenoid assembly 142 b. The uppersurface 174 and the lower surface 176 of the gate assembly 146 are bothdefined collectively by the first gate member 180 and the second gatemember 182 when in an assembled state (illustrated in FIG. 3). As seenin FIGS. 4 and 5, the first gate member 180 and the second gate member182 interlock with one another. In this exemplary embodiment, a sidesurface 190 of the first gate member 180 may define a recess 192. Thesecond gate member 182 includes a side surface 194 that defines a tab196. The tab 196 of the second gate member 182 may be received by therecess 192 of the first gate member 180. Those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that while FIGS. 4-5 only illustrate one side of thefirst gate member 180 and the second gate member 182, a similarconfiguration may be included along the opposing sides of the gatemembers 180, 182 as well.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the endless elastic band 184 is locatedbetween the first and second gate members 180, 182. The endless elasticband 184 defines an opening 186 that is aligned with the opening 194 inthe first gate member 180 and opening 195 in the second gate member 182.With the endless elastic band 184 sandwiched between the first andsecond gate member 180, 182, the endless elastic band is linearlytranslatable and moves in concert with the gate assembly 146 through thelength of travel L (shown in FIG. 3). The endless elastic band 184 maybe constructed of a compliant material such as, for example, rubber. Theendless elastic band 184 may act as a biasing member or compliant springin order to bias the first gate member 180 and the second gate member182 apart from one another. As seen in FIG. 4, when the gate assembly146 is assembled together, the endless elastic band 184 may be containedby a cavity or recess 198 defined by both of the first gate member 180and the second gate member 182.

Referring to FIG. 5, the endless elastic band 184 includes a first lip210 and a second lip 212. The first lip 210 of the elastic band 184 mayseal against an inner surface 214 of the first gate member 180, and thesecond lip 212 may seal against an inner surface 216 of the second gatemember 182. It should be appreciated that the seal created between theendless elastic band 184 and the first gate member 180 and the secondgate member 182 may reduce or prevent fluid leakage into the housing 102(FIGS. 1-2). It should also be appreciated that the illustration of thegate assembly 146 should not be limiting in nature. For example, inanother approach a gate assembly may be used that includes theconfiguration as shown in FIG. 7 of commonly owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/565,814 filed on Dec. 10, 2014, which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4-5, the first gate member 180 may define afront gate surface 218. When the gate assembly 146 is in the closedposition, the front gate surface 218 of the first gate member 180 mayblock or obstruct the flow of fluid into the fluid flow opening 191 ofthe gate assembly 146. However, when the gate assembly 146 is in theopen position, which is seen in FIG. 3, fluid may flow from the firstconduit portion 106 of the housing A, through the fluid flow opening 191defined by the gate assembly 146, and into the second conduit portion108 of the second housing B.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, both the first solenoid assembly 142 a andthe second solenoid assembly 142 b each include a respective core 230 a,230 b. The cores 230 a, 230 b may be constructed of a magnetic material.In the exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the cores 230 a, 230 bmay both be generally E-shaped cores, however it is to be appreciatedthat the disclosure is not limited to only E-shaped cores. It shouldalso be appreciated that while the cores 230 a, 230 b as shown in thefigures include three legs 232 of equal size, the legs of each core 230a, 230 b may be of different size as well.

Continuing to refer to both FIGS. 2 and 6, bobbins 236 a, 236 b maysurround the center leg 232 of each core 230 a, 230 b. In oneembodiment, the bobbins 236 a, 236 b may be constructed of plastic, andmay be manufactured by a plastic injection molding process. Although aplastic injection molding process is described, it is to be understoodthat other approaches and materials may be used as well to manufacturethe bobbins 236 a, 236 b. The bobbins 236 a, 236 b each include a mainbody 238 a, 238 b. Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, and 8, the bobbins 236 a,236 b each include a generally I-shaped cross section defining acentrally located aperture 240 a, 240 b and respective channels 242 a,242 b (shown in FIG. 8).

Corresponding wiring may be wound around the respective channels 242 a,242 b of each core 230 a, 230 b to create windings 234 a, 234 b. Thewindings 234 a, 234 b may be any type of wire for carrying an electricalcurrent such as, for example, copper wiring. The respective apertures240 a, 240 b of the bobbins 236 a, 236 b may be shaped to receive thecentral leg 232 of a respective core 230 a, 230 b. It should beappreciated that the bobbins 236 a, 236 b may be used to hold thewindings 234 a, 234 b in place. It should also be appreciated that thewindings 234 a, 234 b may be connected to terminals (not illustrated).The terminals may project outward from the bobbins 236 a, 236 b, whereeach terminal may be electrically coupled to a corresponding circuitboard 250 a, 250 b. As explained in greater detail below, the circuitboards 250 a, 250 b may include circuitry for activating the solenoidassemblies 142 a, 142 b.

As seen in FIG. 2, the second section B of the housing 102 may includeone or more guides 252 that project outward from an inner wall 254 ofthe second section B. The guides 252 may be used to provide guidance andensure that the gate assembly 146 translates in a linear directionthrough the length of travel L (shown in FIG. 3). The second section Bof the housing 102 may each include a second set of guides 256 that alsoproject outward from an inner wall 254 of the second section B. Theguides 256 may be used to position the circuit board 250 a, 250 b inplace within the housing 102. In addition to controlling the solenoidassemblies 142 a, 142 b, the circuit boards 250 a, 250 b may also bepositioned within the housing 102 in order to provide mechanical supportand stiffening. It is to be appreciated that the first housing A alsoincludes similar features along an inner wall as well, however thesefeatures are not visible in FIG. 2.

Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, it should be appreciated that thehousing 102 may also include electrical connectors (not illustrated)that are electrically connected to a corresponding one of the circuitboards 250 a, 250 b. The electrical connectors may each protrude from anopening defined by the housing (not illustrated), and electricallyconnect the circuit boards 250 a, 250 b to an external controller (notillustrated). For example, in one embodiment, the external control maybe an engine control module (ECM).

The gate assembly 146 may be normally seated in a starting position. Thestarting position may be either the closed position or the open position(shown in FIG. 3). The gate assembly 146 remains seated in the startingposition until a threshold force is applied to the gate assembly 146.The threshold force is explained in greater detail below, and is createdby opposing magnetic fields induced within the cores 230 a, 230 b. Thethreshold force is of a magnitude sufficient to unseat the gate assembly146 from the starting position, and causes the gate assembly 146 to moveinto a second position. The second position is opposite from thenormally seated position. For example, if the normally seated positionis the open position (shown in FIG. 3), then the second position wouldbe the closed position. It is to be appreciated that the gate assembly146 is biased in either the open or the closed position due to residualmagnetism within the first gate member 180 and the second gate member182 after the opposing magnetic fields have been removed.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, when electrical current is applied to thewinding 234 a, a first magnetic field is induced within the core 230 aof the solenoid 142 a. The first magnetic field may be based on theamount of electrical current provided to the winding 234 a.Specifically, a first amount of electrical current may be applied to thewinding 234 a, which in turn creates the first magnetic field. The firstmagnetic field may attract the residually magnetized first gate member180 and second gate member 182. In other words, the first magnetic fieldmay urge the first gate member 180 and second gate member 182 in adirection towards the core 230 a, and into the open position as seen inFIG. 3.

At the same time the first amount of electrical current is applied tothe winding 234 a, a second, opposite amount of electrical current isapplied to the winding 234 b in order to induce a second magnetic fieldwithin the core 230 b of the solenoid 142 b. It is to be appreciatedthat the second, opposite magnetic field is generated to repel theresidually magnetized first gate member 180 and second gate member 182.In other words, the second magnetic field may urge the first gate member180 and the second gate member 182 in a direction away from the core 230b, and towards the core 230 a. The first magnetic field induced by thecore 230 a and the second, opposite magnetic field induced by the core230 b cooperate together in order to create the threshold force. Thethreshold force is of sufficient magnitude to urge the gate assembly 146to translate in the linear direction through the length of travel L andinto the second position (i.e., into the open position as seen in FIG.3). Although actuating the gate assembly 146 into the open position isdescribed, it is to be appreciated that the current supplied to thewindings 234 a, 234 b may be switched in direction in order to switchthe direction of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field,thereby actuating the gate assembly 146 into the closed position aswell.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit 300 used toprovide the current to the windings 234 a, 234 b. As explained below,the electrical circuit 300 may also be used in combination with theexternal controller (not illustrated) to determine the position of bothof the first gate member 180 and the second gate member 182. Theelectrical circuit 300 includes two H bridges 302 a, 302 b and amicrocontroller 304 in communication with both of the H bridges 302 a,302 b. Referring to both FIGS. 2 and 9, it is to be appreciated that inone embodiment the electrical circuit 300 may be completely located uponone of the circuit boards 250 a, 250 b, and the remaining one of thecircuit boards 250 a, 250 b is merely used for mechanical support of thehousing 102. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a portion of theelectrical circuit 300 may be located on both of the circuit boards 250a, 250 b, and a connector (not illustrated) may be used to electricallyconnect both of the circuit boards 250 a, 250 b together.

Referring to FIG. 9, each H bridge 302 a, 302 b may include fourswitches. Specifically, the H bridge 302 a includes switches S1, S2, S3,S4 and the H bridge 302 b includes four switches S1′, S2′, S3′, S4′. Inthe embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, the switches are eachmetal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), however itis to be appreciated that other types of switches, or even mechanicalswitches may be used as well. Each of the switches may be electricallyconnected to an output or pin 310 of the microcontroller 304. Each Hbridge 302 a, 302 b may also include a resistor R_(a), R_(b) that iselectrically connected to a capacitor C_(a), C_(b) in series with oneanother to form a corresponding series circuit 312 a, 312 b. As seen inFIG. 9, a first end 320 a, 320 b of the series circuit 312 a, 312 b maybe connected to a first end 322 a, 322 b of the winding 234 a, 234 b,and a second end 324 a, 324 b of the series circuit 312 a, 312 b may beconnected to a second end 326 a, 326 b of the winding 234 a, 234 b. Itis to be appreciated that the H bridges 302 a, 302 b enables a voltageto be applied across the respective loads (i.e., the respective windings234 a, 234 b) in either direction. A sense line 330 a, 330 b mayelectrically connect a junction 332 a, 332 b located between theresistor R_(a), R_(b) and the capacitor C_(a), C_(b) to correspondingsense pins 334 a, 334 b of the microcontroller 304.

The microcontroller 304 may refer to, be part of, or include anelectronic circuit, a combinational logic circuit, a field programmablegate array (FPGA), a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) thatexecutes code, other suitable components that provide the describedfunctionality, or a combination of some or all of the above, such as ina system-on-chip. The term module may include memory (shared, dedicated,or group) that stores code executed by the processor. The term code, asused above, may include software, firmware, microcode, or assembly codeand may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, or objects. Itis to be appreciated that while FIG. 9 illustrates the H bridges 302 a,302 b and the microcontroller 304 as separate components, in anotherembodiment the H bridges 302 a, 302 b and the microcontroller 304 couldbe an integrated component.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3 and 9, the microcontroller 304 may energize therespective pins 310 in order to activate the switches S1 and S4 (whichare located on alternating legs 338 a of the H bridge 302 a) to induce acurrent across the winding 234 a of the solenoid assembly 142 a, therebyinducing the first magnetic field within the core 230 a of the solenoid142 a. The first magnetic field magnetically attracts the gate members180, 182 of the gate assembly 146. The microcontroller 304simultaneously energizes the respective pins 310 in order to activatethe switches S2′ and S3′ (which are located on alternating legs 338 b ofthe H bridge 302 b) to induce a current across the winding 234 a of thesolenoid assembly 142 a, thereby inducing the second magnetic fieldwithin the core 230 b of the solenoid 142 b. The first magnetic fieldmagnetically repels the gate members 180, 182 of the gate assembly 146.Thus, the gate assembly 146 is actuated into the open position.

While the switches S1, S4, S2′, S3′ are described as being activated, itis to be appreciated that the microcontroller 304 may also energize therespective pins 310 in order to activate the switches S2, S3, S1′, S4′as well in order to actuate the gate assembly 146 into the closedposition. Thus, it is to be appreciated that the circuit boards 250 a,250 b may include circuitry for activating the solenoid assemblies 142a, 142 b from either the open position or the closed position byactivating one of the first and second solenoid assemblies 142 a, 142 bto magnetically attract the gate members 180, 182, while simultaneouslyactivating the remaining solenoid assembly 142 a, 142 b to magneticallyrepulse the gate members 180, 182.

Referring to FIG. 9, the microcontroller 304 may also include an input340 for receiving power, such as battery voltage. The microcontroller304 may also be connected to ground through pin 342. Furthermore, themicrocontroller 304 may also send and receive communication from theexternal controller (not illustrated) through pins 344, 346. Asexplained above, the external control may be, for example, an ECM. Theexternal controller may send a signal to the microcontroller 304requesting a current position of the gate assembly 146 with respect tothe core 230 a, and is explained in greater detail below. Referring toFIGS. 2-3 and 9, in response to receiving a signal from the externalcontroller requesting the current position of the gate assembly 146 frompin 344, the microcontroller 304 may generate a time varying voltageover a predetermined period of time across both the windings 234 a, 234b through both of the H bridges 302 a, 302 b. Specifically, themicrocontroller 304 may alternate the time varying voltage to thealternating legs 338 a, 338 b of the H-bridges 302 a, 302 b in order toenergize and de-energize both of the windings 234 a, 234 b.

In one embodiment, the time varying voltage may be square wave voltagehaving a fixed frequency (e.g., 20 kHz). Specifically, it should beappreciated that the inductance of the winding 234 a, the resistorR_(a), and the capacitor C_(a) (or the winding 234 b, the resistorR_(b), and the capacitor C_(b)) may cooperate together to create acircuit that oscillates in response to an excitation created by thesquare voltage. The value of the inductance of the windings 234 a, 234 bis not fixed, and will vary based on the location of the gate members180, 182. Specifically, the inductance of the windings 234 a, 234 b willincrease if the gate members 180, 182 are near, and will decrease if thegate members 180, 182 are farther away. It is to be appreciated that thetime varying voltage may include a variety of values, however apeak-to-peak voltage of at least two volts may be required.

As the microcontroller 304 generates the time varying voltage, themicrocontroller 304 may also monitor the sense lines 330 a, 330 b.Specifically, the microcontroller 304 may monitor the sense lines 330 a,330 b to determine an amplitude of oscillation of the inductance of thewindings 234 a, 234 b. As explained above, the inductance of thewindings 234 a, 234 b is not fixed, and will vary based on the locationof the gate members 180, 182. Specifically, a largest amplitude ofoscillation is indicative of the location of the gate members 180, 182relative to the windings 234 a, 234 b.

Instead of a time varying voltage, in another embodiment a sweepingfrequency may be applied to both the windings 234 a, 234 b. The sweepingfrequency may range from a value below a resonant frequency of theinductance of the winding 234 a, the resistor R_(a), and the capacitorC_(a) (or the winding 234 b, the resistor R_(b), and the capacitorC_(b)) to a value above the resonant frequency, and may be an increasingrange of frequencies or a decreasing range of frequencies. As themicrocontroller 304 generates the sweeping frequency, themicrocontroller 304 may also monitor the sense lines 330 a, 330 b.Specifically, the microcontroller 304 may monitor the sense lines 330 a,330 b to determine a peak voltage amplitude of the windings 234 a, 234b. The peak voltage amplitude is correlated to the distance of the gates180, 182 relative to the windings 234 a, 234 b.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3 and 9, the microcontroller 304 may send a signalover pin 346 to the external control indicative of the distance of thegates 180, 182 relative to the windings 234 a, 234 b. The externalcontroller may receive the signal indicative of the position of thegates 180, 182, and determine a different position of the gate assembly146 based on the current position of the gates 180, 182. For example, ifthe gate assembly 146 is in the open position, the external controllermay determine that the different position is the closed position.

The device 100 as described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 is asolenoid actuated control valve that may be used in a variety ofapplications, such as automotive applications, and may control the flowof fluids such as air, coolant, fuel, or oil. It is to be understoodthat the valves currently available may be spring biased to a defaultposition, and require the application of current to a solenoid coil tomove the valve to an “on” position. As long as the valve is on, power isbeing consumed. The disclosed valve assembly does not require thecontinuous application of power to hold the disclosed gate assembly ineither the open or closed position. Furthermore, the disclosed devicealso provides an approach for determining the current position of thevalve electronically.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to preferredembodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications andvariations are possible without departing from the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A latching solenoid gate valve comprising: ahousing defining a conduit having a flow path therethrough and a cavityseparating the conduit into a first section and a second section; a gateassembly enclosed within the cavity of the housing, the gate assemblycomprising: a first gate member comprising magnetizable material anddefining an opening therethrough, the first gate member being linearlymovable within the cavity between an open position with the openingaligned with the conduit and a closed position with the opening out ofalignment with the conduit; a first solenoid assembly and a secondsolenoid assembly seated within the cavity with the gate assemblylinearly translatable therebetween; wherein the first gate member ismoved linearly from either the open position or the closed position byactivating one of the first and second solenoid assemblies tomagnetically attract the first gate member thereto while simultaneouslyactivating the other of the first and second solenoid assemblies tomagnetically repulse the first gate member wherein each of the firstsolenoid assembly and the second solenoid assembly comprise a circuitboard and a winding electrically connected to the circuit board; andwherein the circuit board comprises a microcontroller electricallyconnected to a first H bridge for the first solenoid assembly with thewinding of the first solenoid assembly as a load of the first H bridge,and wherein the microcontroller is electrically connected to a second Hbridge for the second solenoid assembly with the winding of the secondsolenoid assembly as a load of the second H bridge; wherein the firstand second H bridges are electrically connected to the microcontrollerto each energize the winding in the first solenoid assembly and thesecond solenoid assembly, respectively, with current in eitherdirection.
 2. The latching solenoid gate valve of claim 1, wherein thecore is a generally E-shaped core.
 3. The latching solenoid gate valveof claim 1, wherein the first H bridge comprises a first resistor and afirst capacitor electrically connected in a first series circuit withone end of the first series circuit connected to a first end of thewinding of the first solenoid assembly and the other end of the firstseries circuit connected to a second end of the winding of the firstsolenoid assembly, and a first sense line electrically connected at afirst junction between the first resistor and the first capacitor iselectrically coupled to the microcontroller.
 4. The latching solenoidgate valve of claim 3, wherein the second H bridge comprises a secondresistor and a second capacitor electrically connected in a secondseries circuit with one end of the second series circuit connected to afirst end of the winding of the second solenoid assembly and the otherend of the second series circuit connected to a second end of thewinding of the second solenoid assembly and a second sense lineelectrically connected at a second junction between the second resistorand the second capacitor is electrically coupled to the microcontroller.5. The latching solenoid gate valve of claim 3, wherein the gateassembly further comprises an endless elastic band sandwiched betweenthe first gate member and the second gate member with a second openingdefined by the endless elastic band aligned with the opening in thefirst gate member, wherein the endless elastic band is linearlytranslatable together with the first and second gate members within thecavity.
 6. The latching solenoid gate valve of claim 3, wherein thehousing includes at least one guide protruding within the cavity betweenwhich the gate assembly is seated.
 7. The latching solenoid gate valveof claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises an electricalconnector protruding therefrom that electrically connects the circuitboard to an external controller.
 8. The latching solenoid gate valve ofclaim 1, wherein the gate assembly further comprises a second gatemember having a second opening therethrough, wherein both the first gatemember and the second gate member are linearly translatable togetherwithin the cavity.
 9. The latching solenoid gate valve of claim 8,wherein the first gate member and the second gate member are constructedof a magnetizable material.
 10. The latching solenoid gate valve ofclaim 8, wherein the gate assembly includes a first permanent magnetdisposed along an upper surface of the gate assembly and a secondpermanent magnet disposed along a lower surface of the gate assembly.